Authorities reopen probe into Natalie Wood's 1981 drowning death - CNN.com Authorities reopen probe into Natalie Wood's 1981 drowning death By Michael Martinez, CNN Updated 9:52 AM ET, Fri November 18, 2011 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds. JUST WATCHED 1981: Natalie Wood found dead 02:35 Story highlights The Los Angeles County sheriff's office reopens the case Persons with additional information have approached investigators Natalie Wood drowned off Catalina Island near Los Angeles in 1981 A news conference is scheduled for Friday morning in California The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office is reopening its investigation into the death of movie star Natalie Wood, who drowned in 1981 while boating off Catalina Island near the California coast, authorities said Thursday. Homicide investigators are taking a new look at one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries after they were contacted by people who claimed they had "additional information" about the drowning, the sheriff's department said in a statement. Authorities didn't provide further details late Thursday and said a news conference on the matter will be held Friday at 11 a.m.

(2 p.m. ET). Last year, the actress' sister, Lana Wood, and the captain of the yacht on which Wood sailed with her husband, actor Robert Wagner, had asked the sheriff's office to reopen the case. On Thursday, L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy Benjamin Grubb couldn't say whether the sister and the yacht captain have prompted the renewed investigation. "I don't know if that's related, but that's what the press conference is about tomorrow," Grubb told CNN. Natalie Wood once said in a televised interview that her greatest fear was of dark seawater. On November 29, 1981, she drowned in the Pacific Ocean off the isthmus of Catalina Island. Wood's body was found floating in the water about a mile away from the yacht. According to police reports, Wood was found wearing a long nightgown, socks, and a down jacket. The autopsy report shows Wood had two dozen bruises on her body, including a facial abrasion on her left cheek, and bruises on her arms. "My sister was not a swimmer and did not know how to swim, and she would never go to another boat or to shore dressed in a nightgown and socks," said Lana Wood.

Although the county coroner's office ruled that Wood's death was an accident, others say the case hasn't made sense. In 2010, Lana Wood told CNN she believes a highly charged argument between her sister and husband on the yacht's back deck preceded Wood's drowning. She told CNN last year she does not suspect foul play. "I just want the truth to come out, the real story," she said last year. Dennis Davern, the former captain of the yacht Splendour broke his long silence with a detailed account in "Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour," a book he wrote with his friend Marti Rulli. It was published in September 2009. Davern has said he believes Wood's death was a direct result of the fight with Wagner. Lana Wood and Davern couldn't be reached immediately for comment Thursday. Wagner's publicist Alan Nierob issued a statement saying the actor's family "fully support the efforts of the LA County Sheriff's Dept.

and trust they will evaluate whether any new information relating to the death of Natalie Wood Wagner is valid, and that it comes from a credible source or sources other than those simply trying to profit from the 30 year anniversary of her tragic death." Nierob said no one from the sheriff's department has contacted Wagner or anyone in his family about the case. In a lengthy interview with CNN in 2010, Davern said he now believes the investigation of Wood's death was incompetent and suggested there was a cover-up. He said he regrets misleading investigators by keeping quiet at Wagner's request. Wood and Wagner married in 1957, divorced in 1962, then remarried in 1972. They often sailed their yacht off the coast of California and they invited Wood's "Brainstorm" co-star, Christopher Walken, to join them on a sail on Thanksgiving weekend in 1981. Walken and Wood had been filming "Brainstorm" at the time and the Hollywood rumor mill was abuzz with speculation that Wagner was jealous over Walken, but authorities have said Walken witnessed only the events leading up to an argument between the couple. Walken couldn't be reached immediately for comment Thursday.

Wagner admitted his jealousy in his book "Pieces of My Heart," also published in September 2009. He acknowledged that there had been a fight with Wood, writing that he smashed a wine bottle on a table. After Wagner argued with Walken and broke the wine bottle, Wood left in disgust and went to her stateroom, Davern told CNN last year. Walken also retired to a guest room, Davern added, and Wagner followed his wife to their room. A few minutes later, Davern said, he could hear the couple fighting. Embarrassed, Davern said he turned up the volume on his stereo. At one point, Davern recalled, he glanced out of the pilot house window and saw both Wagner and Wood on the yacht's aft deck. "They'd moved their fight outside ... you could tell from their animated gestures they were still arguing," he said. A short time later, Wagner, appearing to be distraught, told Davern he couldn't find Wood. Davern searched the boat but couldn't find her. He noticed the rubber dinghy also was missing. Wagner shrugged and poured them both drinks, Davern said. He suggested his wife had probably gone off in a temper.

Wagner's story, as told in his book, differs from Davern's. He maintains that after the argument with Walken, Wood went to her room and prepared for bed while he and Walken sat on the deck, cooling off. Wagner writes that he went to check on Wood, but she wasn't there. He maintains that he and Davern searched the boat and noticed the dinghy was missing. Wagner wrote that he assumed his wife had gone ashore on her own. He radioed the restaurant on shore where they'd had dinner and called the harbor master to see if anyone had seen Wood. The dinghy was found about a mile away from the yacht, and a mile from where Wood's body was found. Wood's first starring role was as a child in "Miracle on 34th Street" in 1947, and she played alongside some of Hollywood's top leading men -- James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" and Warren Beatty in "Splendor in the Grass." She was nominated for Oscars in both of those films, as well as for "Love With the Proper Stranger" (1963), according to IMDb.

One of her more memorable roles was as Maria in "West Side Story." Wagner's striking good looks landed him roles in dozens of films in the 1950s and '60s before he hit it big in television. He starred in two popular series, "It Takes a Thief" (1968-70) and "Hart to Hart" (1979-84), and more recently as Number Two in the "Austin Powers" spy spoofs. Watch Video of This Report | Photos: Natalie Wood Through the Years It's a question that's yet to be fully answered. Wood's drowning was originally ruled an accident, but 15 months ago, citing "new information," sheriff's homicide department reopened the investigation. It was Thanksgiving weekend in 1981. Edmonds happened to be on the island, having traveled to Avalon for a weekend getaway with some friends. The 43-year-old Wood had also traveled to the island for the weekend with her husband, Robert Wagner on their boat, Splendour. With them was their regular captain, Dennis Davern, along with a guest, fellow actor Christopher Walken.

At the time, Wagner starred in the hit televsion show, "Hart to Hart." Wood had been on something of a hiatus from screen work to stay at home with their children, but was making a new film with Walken as her romantic lead. In the years since, Davern has alleged a jealous Wagner quarreled angrily with his wife, yelling at her to "get off my...boat," before she disappeared, and then allegedly discouraged Davern from searching and delayed calling for help. Davern's account is detailed in a 2009 book "Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour," written by Marti Rulli. When the Avalon sheriff's office was notified of Wood's disappearance, Edmonds oversaw the initial response. Edmonds is now retired from his final position as undersheriff, and his account has never before been made public. But with new questions about the circumstances of Wood's drowning, Edmonds decided he's ready to speak out. "This is a situation where we've arrived on the scene. We have a person dead. We don't know if we have an accident or a homicide or what we have," Edmonds said during an exclusive interview with NBC4 News.

After landing at the isthmus, Edmonds took charge of Wagner, staying with him as arrangements were made for a homicide detective to handle the investigation. "He was a shocked man, I could see that," Edmonds said of Wagner. "He said he was really concerned about his kids." Edmonds arranged for the sheriff's Sikorsky helicopter to fly Wagner and Walken to the sheriff's Aero Bureau at Long Beach Airport to be interviewed by Detective Sgt. Duane Rasure. Afterwards, the sheriff's helicopter delivered Wagner to Santa Monica Airport, the closest to his Beverly Hills home. Rulli contends this is evidence the original investigation was deferential to Wagner, and failed to pursue the possibility Wood's death was not an accident, but a homicide. Edmonds disputes this. "If somebody has that problem, and I can get what I need for the investigation and get them to their children, I would do that for anybody," Edmonds said. After Sgt. Rasure spoke to Wagner and Walken, the helicopter brought Rasure to Catalina to question Davern. Wagner, Walken and Davern all said the outing had been uneventful until Wood's disappearance.

None reported hearing any calls for help, though a woman on another boat nearby later said she had. Edmonds recalls one surprise early on. Wood had not spent the first night at the island on the Splendour, but instead at a Catalina lodge--with Davern. That information came from the innkeeper. Edmonds said he tried, but was unable to relay that information to Rasure before he spoke with Wagner and Walken on the mainland. Davern made no mention of it in his initial interview on Catalina, but when confronted by Rasure, said he wanted to speak with an attorney before making any further comments, according to Edmonds. It would be years before Davern changed his account, explaining that initially he felt pressure to conceal ugly truths. About the first night, Davern said Wagner had wanted to move the Splendour from Avalon havor to the isthmus. Wood did not want to make the trip in the dark, and so she went ashore with Davern as her bodyguard, accoridng to his later accounts. During the second night, when Wood disappeared, the Splendour's dingy had come loose and in the morning was found empty at the shore.

That figured into theories of what happened, including one given credence by then-Coroner Thomas Noguchi, MD, that Wood had attempted to tighten the dingy's tie-downs, but instead fell from the stern deck as the dingy drifted free, and lacked the strength to pull herself into it. Within weeks, the case was closed. "I drew the conclusion on the island, and later, that it was an accident," Edmonds said, though he is quick to acknowledge he never was directly involved in the investigation, his knowledge coming mainly from reports that crossed his desk. Faced with the new uncertainty, Edmonds said he's speaking out because he wants to reassure Rasure, now 81, that his work was appreciated. "The old guy still thinks he did a good job," Edmonds said. When the sheriff's department reopened the investigation, the coroner's office also agreed to review its original autopsy findings. The supplemental report was finished and approved last June, but not released officially until last month. "The cause of death will be changed to drowning and other undetermined factors.

Manner will be changed to undetermined," concluded the report, signed by Lakshmanan Sathyavagiswaran, MD, the chief medical examiner-coroner. Among the issues the report raised were bruising the original autopsy had concluded were "probably sustained at the time of drowning." The new report found that "bruises especially in the upper extremities...could have occurred before she entered the water," and raised the possibility of "non-accidental mechanism for certain bruises." Since the sheriff's investigation was reopened, Wagner, now 83, has declined to speak with investigators or answer questions from media. Looking at the coroner's supplemental report, former undersheriff Edmonds wondered aloud if the "undetermined factors" will ever be known. Determining them is the challenge for the new investigation. View more videos at: .

Related Stories: Robert Wagner Won't Be Interviewed Again, New Leads Being Pursued Published at 5:39 PM PST on Feb 19, 2013 | Updated at 9:38 AM PST on Feb 20, 2013 Actress Natalie Wood drowns - Nov 29, 1981 - HISTORY.com Actress Natalie Wood drowns Publisher A+E Networks On this day in 1981, the actress Natalie Wood, who starred in such movies as Rebel Without a Cause and West Side Story, drowns in a boating accident near California’s Catalina Island. She was 43 years old. Born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko on July 20, 1938, in San Francisco, California, Wood began her acting career as a child. She gained acclaim for her role as Susan Walker, the little girl who doubts the existence of Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street (1947). As a teenager, Wood went on to play James Dean’s girlfriend in Rebel Without a Cause (1955), for which she received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.

She also earned Best Actress Academy Award nominations for her performances in Splendor in the Grass (1961) with Warren Beatty and Love with the Proper Stranger (1963) with Steve McQueen. Wood’s film credits also include West Side Story (1961), winner of 10 Oscars, in which she played the lead role of Maria; Gypsy (1962), which was based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name and co-starred Rosalind Russell and Karl Malden; The Great Race (1965), with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis; Inside Daisy Clover (1966), with Christopher Plummer and Robert Redford; and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969) with Robert Culp, Elliott Gould and Dyan Cannon. Wood was twice married to the actor Robert Wagner (Hart to Hart, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery), from 1957 to 1962 and from 1974 to the time of her death.

On the night of November 29, 1981, the dark-haired beauty was with her husband on their yacht “The Splendor,” which was moored off Santa Catalina, near Los Angeles. Also on the yacht was the actor Christopher Walken, who at the time was making the movie Brainstorm with Wood. Neither Wagner nor Walken saw what happened to Wood that night, but it was believed she somehow slipped overboard while untying a dinghy attached to the boat. Her body was found in the early hours of the following morning. Brainstorm, Wood’s final film, was released in theaters in 1983. Related Videos Natalie Wood — Ethnicity of Celebs | What Nationality Ancestry Race by ethnic on August 27, 2009 Birth Name: Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko Date of Birth: July 20, 1938 Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, U.S. Date of Death: November 29, 1981 Place of Death: near Santa Catalina Island, California Ethnicity: Russian, Ukrainian Natalie Wood was an American actress.

She received Academy Award nominations for her performances in Splendor in the Grass and Love with the Proper Stranger. She drowned near Santa Catalina Island, California, on November 29, 1981. Natalie was of Russian and Ukrainian descent. Natalie’s father, Nikolai Stephanovich Zakharenko, was born in Vladivostok, Russia. Natalie’s mother, Maria Stepanovna (Zudilova), was born in Barnaul, Siberia, Russia, or in Tomsk, Russia. Her sister is actress and producer Lana Wood . Natalie was the mother of two children, actress Natasha Gregson Wagner and Courtney Brooke Wagner. She was married to actor Robert Wagner and British producer Richard Gregson. Natalie’s paternal grandparents were Stephan Zakharenko and Eudoxie Sauchenko. Natalie’s maternal grandparents were Stepan Ilich Zudilov/Zoodilov (the son of Ilya Semenovich Zudilov and Elisabeth) and Maria Andreevna Kuleva (the daughter of Andrey Alekseevich Kulev).

Sources: Genealogy of Natalie Wood – catalina island - New Gimbo New Gimbo travel and tourism ‎ > ‎ US 4 ‎ > ‎ catalina island Abby Downs UGHH same OMG Priscilla hahha she was on the Catalina island trip idk if she still hates me. Martina Navratilova Visit Southern, CA. Its great here! Disneyland, Catalina Island, RHOOC. I am dying to see one of my favorite sports legends! 29 November 1981. Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, aged 43. Who's excited about My Jack Rabbits return from Catalina Island tomorrow?. Fun Fact! In 1981, the actress Natalie Wood,drowns in a boating accident near California s Catalina Island. nowyouknow. Family dinner yesterday, Catalina Island today - and I still have 2 more days of my weekend! 4dayweekend. Reuters Top News. Appeasement always works. We'll draw the line at Guam. OK, Hawaii. Well, Catalina Island for sure. I told you a month ago if I could go to Catalina Island and you said yes.

But now you decide I can't go welp. Looking out my bedroom it looks a little hazy, yet I can see both Catalina Island and the Santa Ana mountains. November 29, 1915 A fire destroyed most of the buildings on Santa Catalina Island, California. fires Catalina CA. @all4q ~ I'm on my way to Catalina island. I think you the only one I'm going to say Happy Thanks Givining to. Albert Brooks He will crash that boat off Catalina Island, and he will drown and die and seals will eat him. anna omg yes! i can see catalina island from where i am wowo that's so close im sad :-(. Lavender & Mustard Spanish Tile, Catalina Island, Mexican and Mediterranean Inspired Glass and Antique Brass Necklace. Movie History 11/29/1981: Natalie Wood (Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without a Cause) dies in Santa Catalina Island, CA at the age of 43. It looks like lily collins is at the Wrigley Memorial Garden in Catalina Island <3.

Trenton Ducati great sunset just watched it go down over Catalina Island! Have a great evening. Can't wait to visit yimmy in MB and have our own Catalina Wine mixer on Catalina island. Missing my partner in crime the most clubfusion. On Nov 29, 1981, actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, CA, at the age 43. IF I ever get married it'll be on Catalina Island. that place is gorgeeoouus! TODAY'S DEATHS | In 1981, Natalie Wood died on this date in Santa Catalina Island, California, USA. This morning I could see Catalina Island from CBLVD. nosnowforme californiathanksgiving. Michael Ragazzo.yep.OH and you get me awesome Catalina island sweaters :) hinthint winkwink. on the Sodastream website it says in tiny letters "This item is not for sale in Catalina Island". Nov 29, 1981: Natalie Wood s body is found off the coast of Catalina Island in California. Planning my Valentines for babe already.

Thinking about booking a three day and two nights on catalina island. CATALINA ISLAND GIVES YOU A FREE TRIP ON YOUR BIRTHDAY AND FREE ICE CREAM IM GOING TO CATALINA FOR MY BIRTHDAY OMG. lipkin22 lily is in catalina island and someone on instagram said zac is there too. omg this reminds me of the time i went to catalina island and we cooked s'mores omg the best :). kk Ppl laugh because I was born in LA but I've never been to Catalina Island OTL. Rock Calendar 11-29-81: Actress Natalie Wood, 43, drowns in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, CA. No.1 LP: Foreigner 4. ya'knowLizette. haha ok ill see, nigga we were suppose to go to Catalina island for a game but it got canceled. someone take me to Catalina Island and feed me salmon while I sunbathe. Natalie Wood | Dating News, Boyfriends, Photos and Bio Robert Wagner ( July 1972 - Nov.

1981 ) Widowed The epic romance, complete with two marriages and one child, ended in tragedy when Natalie Wood drowned on a trip to Catalina Island with husband Robert Wagner and friend (and alleged lover) Christopher Walken. The death was determined to be ... more › Christopher Walken ( 1981 - 1981 ) Dated Wood's mysterious death by drowning over Thanksgiving, 1981, swirls with rumors of an affair with her then co-star Walken. Husband Robert Wagner admitted years later that he fought with Walken about issues of "emotional infidelity" but the deeper rumour is ... more › Warren Beatty ( 1961 - 1961 ) Dated Natalie Wood became mesmerized with Beatty while acting alongside him in "Splendor in the Grass." Wood left husband Robert Wagner for Beatty, making her the first in a string of co-stars that Beatty managed to ensnare. Now it's part of ... more › Elvis Presley ( Jan. 1956 - Dec. 1956 ) Split Up Stories vary as to why Elvis and Natalie Wood didn't last.

Some say Wood stormed out of Elvis's bedroom on a night of lousy lovemaking (Wood accused Elvis and his entourage of being gay). Others say, Elvis dumped would because ... more › Natalie Wood Case Reopened: Robert Wagner Not A Suspect, Sheriff's Dept. Says | The Huffington Post Natalie Wood Case Reopened: Robert Wagner Not A Suspect, Sheriff's Dept. Says 11/18/2011 03:21 pm ET | Updated Nov 18, 2011 1.3k Michael McLaughlin Crime and criminal justice reporter Los Angeles County detectives made the surprise announcement on Thursday that they've reopened their investigation into Natalie Wood's drowning 30 years ago while a witness claims that her husband Robert Wagner caused her death. Homicide Bureau Lt. John Corina shed little light on what sparked the new probe into the Oscar-nominated actress's drowning near Catalina Island off the California coast in 1981. But, he said, her Thanksgiving weekend death while boating with Wagner and actor Christopher Walken on the couple's yacht is still considered an accident, as the original inquiry concluded.

"We recently received information that we deemed to be credible," Corina said. "We're going to follow up on the leads we have." Corina wouldn't divulge what tips his office received, but he said Wagner isn't a suspect. Earlier in the day, Dennis Davern, who was captain of the couple's 60-foot boat, the Splendour, told NBC's "Today" show that Wagner stifled the initial search for Wood when she couldn't be found on board. A heated argument between Wagner and Wood allegedly preceded her disappearance. Davern contends he tried to break up the dispute, which migrated from their stateroom to the deck. He said he heard yelling, then silence. PHOTOS (Story Continues Below): 28 Mysterious Hollywood Deaths -- Natalie Wood Thirty years following her death, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reopened the Natalie Wood case on Nov. 17, 2011, claiming officials received credible new information. The original investigation concluded that Wood, 43, accidentally drowned while yachting off the coast of California with husband Robert Wagner and their guest Christopher Walken. But the boat's captain Dennis Davern claims he heard the Oscar-nominated actress fighting on the deck with Wagner.

Shortly thereafter, no one could locate Wood. Davern claims Wagner impeded their search for Wood by refusing to turn on lights or call for help. Wood's body was found the morning of Nov. 29, 1981 on Santa Catalina island, about a mile from the yacht. Share this slide: Ernst Haas, Getty Images When no one could locate her later, Wagner refused to turn on search lights or immediately contact authorities, Davern told NBC's David Gregory on Friday. "He didn't take any steps to see if we could locate her," said Davern, who co-wrote a book two years ago about the Hollywood star's death, Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour. Wood is perhaps best known for her role as Maria in the film "West Side Story." The next morning, authorities found her dead body about a mile from the boat. Authorities ruled that she accidentally drowned after a night of drinking with Wagner and Walken. The skipper admitted he lied and withheld details when police questioned him years ago. "I did lie on a report years ago," Davern said.

"I made mistakes by not telling the honest truth." However, Davern wouldn't explain what lies he fabricated, though he said it was part of an effort by Wagner to make sure the case had a low profile. Wagner's publicist, Alan Nierob, released a statement on Thursday supporting the sheriff's department decision to reexamine the case. "Although no one in the Wagner family has heard from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department about this matter, they fully support the efforts of the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. and trust they will evaluate whether any new information relating to the death of Natalie Wood Wagner is valid, and that it comes from a credible source or sources other than those simply trying to profit from the 30 year anniversary of her tragic death," Nierob wrote. In the past, Wagner has said he thought his wife perhaps slipped into the ocean while trying to take a dinghy, which was found on a beach near her body. Questioned by reporters, Corina said detectives will probably check out what Davern knows. "We'll probably end up talking to him sooner or later," said Corina.

"Then we'll assess what he said then and now." The burst of interest in a decades-old mystery coincides with the 30th anniversary of Wood's death. "We're not concerned with the anniversary date," said Corina, but he acknowledged "it may have jarred some other people's memories." Davern said he's tried for years to get police to examine the case again, but "there wasn't really anyone listening until now." 1 Authorities Reopen Probe into Natalie Wood's 1981 Drowning Death Authorities Reopen Probe into Natalie Wood's 1981 Drowning Death By CNN posted by Stephanie Ramos-Tomeoni | Posted: Fri 5:21 AM, Nov 18, 2011 LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office is reopening its investigation into the death of movie star Natalie Wood, who drowned in 1981 while boating off Catalina Island near the California coast, authorities said Thursday. Homicide investigators are taking a new look at one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries after they were contacted by people who claimed they had "additional information" about the drowning, the sheriff's department said in a statement.

Authorities didn't provide further details late Thursday and said a news conference on the matter will be held Friday at 11 a.m. (2 p.m. ET). Last year, the actress' sister, Lana Wood, and the captain of the yacht on which Wood sailed with her husband, actor Robert Wagner, had asked the sheriff's office to reopen the case. On Thursday, L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy Benjamin Grubb couldn't say whether the sister and the yacht captain have prompted the renewed investigation. "I don't know if that's related, but that's what the press conference is about tomorrow," Grubb told CNN. Natalie Wood once said in a televised interview that her greatest fear was of dark seawater. On November 29, 1981, she drowned in the Pacific Ocean off the isthmus of Catalina Island. Wood's body was found floating in the water about a mile away from the yacht. According to police reports, Wood was found wearing a long nightgown, socks, and a down jacket. The autopsy report shows Wood had two dozen bruises on her body, including a facial abrasion on her left cheek, and bruises on her arms.

"My sister was not a swimmer and did not know how to swim, and she would never go to another boat or to shore dressed in a nightgown and socks," said Lana Wood. Although the county coroner's office ruled that Wood's death was an accident, others say the case hasn't made sense. In 2010, Lana Wood told CNN she believes a highly charged argument between her sister and husband on the yacht's back deck preceded Wood's drowning. She told CNN last year she does not suspect foul play. "I just want the truth to come out, the real story," she said last year. Dennis Davern, the former captain of the yacht Splendour broke his long silence with a detailed account in "Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour," a book he wrote with his friend Marti Rulli. It was published in September 2009. Davern has said he believes Wood's death was a direct result of the fight with Wagner. Lana Wood and Davern couldn't be reached immediately for comment Thursday. Wagner's publicist Alan Nierob issued a statement saying the actor's family "fully support the efforts of the LA County Sheriff's Dept.

and trust they will evaluate whether any new information relating to the death of Natalie Wood Wagner is valid, and that it comes from a credible source or sources other than those simply trying to profit from the 30 year anniversary of her tragic death." Nierob said no one from the sheriff's department has contacted Wagner or anyone in his family about the case. In a lengthy interview with CNN in 2010, Davern said he now believes the investigation of Wood's death was incompetent and suggested there was a cover-up. He said he regrets misleading investigators by keeping quiet at Wagner's request. Wood and Wagner married in 1957, divorced in 1962, then remarried in 1972. They often sailed their yacht off the coast of California and they invited Wood's "Brainstorm" co-star, Christopher Walken, to join them on a sail on Thanksgiving weekend in 1981. Walken and Wood had been filming "Brainstorm" at the time and the Hollywood rumor mill was abuzz with speculation that Wagner was jealous over Walken, but authorities have said Walken witnessed only the events leading up to an argument between the couple. Walken couldn't be reached immediately for comment Thursday.

Wagner admitted his jealousy in his book "Pieces of My Heart," also published in September 2009. He acknowledged that there had been a fight with Wood, writing that he smashed a wine bottle on a table. After Wagner argued with Walken and broke the wine bottle, Wood left in disgust and went to her stateroom, Davern told CNN last year. Walken also retired to a guest room, Davern added, and Wagner followed his wife to their room. A few minutes later, Davern said, he could hear the couple fighting. Embarrassed, Davern said he turned up the volume on his stereo. At one point, Davern recalled, he glanced out of the pilot house window and saw both Wagner and Wood on the yacht's aft deck. "They'd moved their fight outside ... you could tell from their animated gestures they were still arguing," he said. A short time later, Wagner, appearing to be distraught, told Davern he couldn't find Wood. Davern searched the boat but couldn't find her. He noticed the rubber dinghy also was missing. Wagner shrugged and poured them both drinks, Davern said. He suggested his wife had probably gone off in a temper.

Wagner's story, as told in his book, differs from Davern's. He maintains that after the argument with Walken, Wood went to her room and prepared for bed while he and Walken sat on the deck, cooling off. Wagner writes that he went to check on Wood, but she wasn't there. He maintains that he and Davern searched the boat and noticed the dinghy was missing. Wagner wrote that he assumed his wife had gone ashore on her own. He radioed the restaurant on shore where they'd had dinner and called the harbor master to see if anyone had seen Wood. The dinghy was found about a mile away from the yacht, and a mile from where Wood's body was found. Wood's first starring role was as a child in "Miracle on 34th Street" in 1947, and she played alongside some of Hollywood's top leading men -- James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" and Warren Beatty in "Splendor in the Grass." She was nominated for Oscars in both of those films, as well as for "Love With the Proper Stranger" (1963), according to IMDb.

One of her more memorable roles was as Maria in "West Side Story." Wagner's striking good looks landed him roles in dozens of films in the 1950s and '60s before he hit it big in television. He starred in two popular series, "It Takes a Thief" (1968-70) and "Hart to Hart" (1979-84), and more recently as Number Two in the "Austin Powers" spy spoofs. -- CNN's Rupa Mikkilineni and David Daniel contributed to this report. #ParkerLovesLife | Community rallies around young girl's fight Sister, yacht captain want Natalie Wood case reopened - CNN.com Sister, yacht captain want Natalie Wood case reopened By Rupa Mikkilineni, Nancy Grace producer Natalie Wood drowned off California's Catalina Island in November 1981. The case still troubles her sister and a yacht captain.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS Actress Natalie Wood's sister asks authorities to reopen investigation Natalie Wood drowned near Catalina, California, in November 1981 Questions about the circumstances have lingered for decades Yacht captain, husband Robert Wagner published books in September New York (CNN) -- Natalie Wood once said in a televised interview that her greatest fear was of dark seawater. Later, in November 1981, she drowned in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Catalina Island, California. The star's drowning death is one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries. Although the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled that Wood's death was an accident, and the sheriff says the case is closed, others say there are pieces of the puzzle that don't make sense. The actress' sister, Lana Wood, and the captain of the yacht Natalie Wood sailed with her husband, actor Robert Wagner, are asking the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office to re-open the case. So far, authorities have not responded to the request. Lana Wood told CNN that she believes a highly charged argument between her sister and husband on the yacht's back deck preceded Wood's drowning. She told CNN she does not suspect foul play.

"I just want the truth to come out, the real story," she said. I just want the truth to come out, the real story. --Lana Wood, sister Dennis Davern, the former captain of the yacht, "The Splendour," broke his long silence with a detailed account in "Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour," a book he wrote with his friend Marti Rulli. It was published in September. Davern also believes Wood's death was a direct result of the fight with Wagner . Wood first appeared as a child in "Miracle on 34th Street" and starred with some of Hollywood's top leading men -- James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" and Warren Beatty in "Splendor in the Grass." She also starred in "West Side Story." Wagner's success came later, on television. He starred in two long-running series, "It Takes a Thief" and "Hart to Hart." The couple married in 1957, divorced in 1962, then remarried in 1972.

They often sailed their yacht off the coast of California and they invited Wood's then co-star, Christopher Walken, to join them on a sail on Thanksgiving weekend, 1981. Walken and Wood had been filming "Brainstorm" at the time and the Hollywood rumor mill was abuzz with speculation that Wagner was jealous over Walken. Walken has not spoken publicly about Wood's drowning, and authorities have said he witnessed only the events leading up to an argument between the couple. Wagner and his representatives did not respond to CNN's request for comment. But Wagner admitted his jealousy in his book "Pieces of My Heart, " also published in September. He acknowledged that there had been a fight with Wood, writing that he smashed a wine bottle on a table. In a lengthy interview with CNN, Davern said he now believes the investigation of Wood's death was incompetent and suggested there was a cover-up. He said he regrets misleading investigators by keeping quiet at Wagner's request. After Wagner argued with Walken and broke the wine bottle, Wood left in disgust and went to her stateroom, Davern told CNN. Walken also retired to a guest room, Davern added, and Wagner followed his wife to their room.

A few minutes later, Davern said, he could hear the couple fighting. They'd moved their fight outside. You could tell from their animated gestures they were still arguing. --Dennis Davern, yacht captain Embarrassed, Davern said he turned up the volume on his stereo. At one point, Davern recalled, he glanced out of the pilot house window and saw both Wagner and Wood on the yacht's aft deck. "They'd moved their fight outside ... you could tell from their animated gestures they were still arguing," he said. A short time later, Wagner, appearing to be distraught, told Davern he couldn't find Wood. Davern searched the boat but couldn't find her. He noticed the rubber dinghy also was missing. Wagner shrugged and poured them both drinks, Davern said. He suggested his wife had probably gone off in a temper. Wagner's story, as told in his book, differs from Davern's. He maintains that after the argument with Walken, Wood went to her room and prepared for bed while he and Walken sat on the deck, cooling off. Wagner writes that he went to check on Wood, but she wasn't there.

He maintains that he and Davern searched the boat and noticed the dinghy was missing. Wagner wrote that he assumed his wife had gone ashore on her own. He radioed the restaurant on shore where they'd had dinner and called the harbor master to see if anyone had seen Wood. Detective Duane Rasure, the lead investigator for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office , confirmed that Wagner notified the harbor master that his wife was missing. But Davern claims those phone calls did not happen immediately. The harbor master at the time, Doug Odin, told CNN he was contacted around 1:30 a.m. He summoned the U.S. Coast Guard, which arrived to begin a daylight search at 5 a.m. Lt. Roger Smith, a lifeguard with the Los Angeles Fire County Department, questioned Wagner about the delay in summoning help. Wagner said he assumed Wood was "probably just party-hopping on other boats, that's the kind of woman she is ... and I want to keep this out of the public," Smith told CNN. She was such a little thing. --Det.

Duane Rasure, lead investigator RELATED TOPICS Los Angeles County Department of Coroner Wood's body was found floating in the water about a mile away from the yacht. Investigator Rasure said the official theory is that Wood was awakened by the sound of the dinghy hitting the side of their yacht. Police believe she went to re-tie the dinghy but slipped on the boat's swim step and fell into the water. The dinghy was found about a mile away from the yacht -- and from where Wood's body was found. "It seems she might have hung onto the dinghy but then got separated from it," Smith said. According to police reports, Wood was found wearing a long nightgown, socks, and a down jacket. Rasure told CNN he believes Wood was dragged underwater by her jacket. "She was such a little thing," he said. The autopsy report shows Wood had two dozen bruises on her body, including a facial abrasion on her left cheek, and bruises on her arms. Rasure said he believes the injuries were sustained from falling overboard and struggling in the water.

"My sister was not a swimmer and did not know how to swim, and she would never go to another boat or to shore dressed in a nightgown and socks," said Lana Wood. She said she believes Davern. "He was a close family confidant and trusted friend to my sister. He is not a liar," she told CNN. She said that when she learned her sister was dead, she went immediately to the house to see Wagner. "Robert was laying on their bed, devastated and when I walked into their bedroom he looked up at me crying and whispered, 'It was an accident, you have to believe me, it was an accident.' " She added, "I don't think R.J. ever got over Natalie's death. She was the love of his life." Share this on: catalina island, post 2 - New Gimbo New Gimbo travel and tourism ‎ > ‎ US 4 ‎ > ‎ catalina island, post 2 Coach told me im going with the varsity team to Catalina Island #team#manager#tho. On Nov 29, 1981, The actress Natalie Wood drowns in a boating accident near California s Catalina Island.

She was 43. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I'm off to Catalina Island. On a hike in Santa Catalina Island (check out the view) pic,NewWoso,com/8iUcaGHlm6. Andres Nieto bro you might as well change your NewWoso name to Catalina island. Zac Efron and Lily Collins are together in Catalina Island <3 These two are so cute! Actually if guys could make my funeral like a vacation/party would be nice have it on Catalina island make my death an event you know lol. carol talamini Great photo! Best So. Cal getaway. Catalina Island! Glad you made it! The West is a 5pm traffic jam on the 405 and the East is the wide open Pacific Ocean in a speed boat headed out to Catalina Island. Amber Nichole Miller My first home was on Catalina Island. I miss it there. 1915: U.S. - fire destroyed half of Avalon's buildings on Santa Catalina Island, California, including six hotels and several clubs. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from the Catalina Island Conservancy!

Sunrise on Catalina Island. Pict by Joe Kalla. Lily and Zac are in Catalina Island together :33 Jensen Ackles scifiactor peopleschoice. On This Day in History. November 29, 1981. Actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, CA, at the age 43. lauren wahh bc I might be going to catalina island tomorrow and you take a ferry from up near where you are i think. I don't believe Z and Lily are in catalina island! this girl saw them for 3 time and don't take a photo? Lily is a famous 4 her team PR! When you can see the ocean and Catalina island from your city, thats how you know you live in a sick place. 1981: Hollywood - actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, California, at age 43. history. instead of legoland or catalina island i am going to costco this is the life. 29 November 1981: US actress Natalie Wood (43) drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island in California.

Johanna Fajardo no hot cheetos or chex mix :P haha jk have a happy thanksgiving! :D. Nov. 29, 1981 - Actress Natalie Wood drowned in a boating accident off Santa Catalina Island, CA, at the age 43. Kira Nasrat hope you are enjoying the West Coast. I need to get to Catalina Island soon. jealous. Catalina Island Tile, Mexican, Spanish and Mediterranean Tile Inspired, Turquoise, Amber and Silver Beaded Necklace. TradinginMyHeels I just added Catalina Island Conservancy marathon to my marathon bucket list! You know, because I've run so many. hey guys! so excited to hear that lily and zac may be at catalina island together! so sweet! I ship them hard! :). mark talamini Nice! Glad you got to visit Catalina Island. Our favorite Southern California getaway! Mia Grey on Catalina island. It's beautiful amd most of the family could stay there. Then you and Nick could have it to yourself. In January we have games for like two weeks straight,then February to work on stuff. Then in March, Catalina Island tournament then Season.

I can't wait to go to Catalina Island for my 18th birthday in 26 days! HOLLA.

Question: Who drowned close to Catalina Island, California, in 1981?
Answer: NATALIE WOOD